|
|
|
Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
| |
|
|
Old Dominion University students Amy Heiby, Jordan O'Byrne, David Bakhshaee, and Meredith Johnson visited ODU alumnus Delegate Ken Plum in Richmond as the students advocated for funding for higher education.
March 3, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Commentary
An Ugly Budget
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
The House of Delegates reported out a budget last week. With a two billion dollar hole to fill, everyone knew it would not be pretty; it was downright ugly. I did not vote for it. There were too many examples of misplaced priorities. Certainly the state has to make ends meet. The Constitution requires a balanced budget. Where the cuts are made becomes the issue.
Virginia has had the distinction of being the best managed state in the nation. With this budget I believe that recognition will go away. A major piece of filling the budget hole was nearly a billion dollar "savings" in the state's retirement system. A more accurate description is a loan from the retirement fund nearly doubling its unfunded liability. The expectation is that the fund will be replenished in more prosperous times, but the demands on future dollars for other needs will be great.
Certainly the distinction of Virginia being one of the best places to raise a child will be lost. The major cuts to children's health insurance, family medical care, preschool programs, and at-risk educational programs were astounding. One would have hoped that these already sparsely funded programs that are such an important investment to help children get a strong start could have been spared from cuts or at least had their reductions minimized. A change in the funding formula for distributing at-risk educational funds had the effect of shifting monies from the poorer inner cities to the suburbs.
Virginia has been known as a state friendly to business, but some of its attractiveness will be removed with this budget. While the budget included about $50 million in incentives to attract new jobs, the budget actually cut more jobs than it created. The majority party's "jobs budget" actually created a net loss in jobs according to a local newspaper analysis. Most of the jobs lost will be school teachers. The loss of attractiveness of the state will also come from the elimination in this budget for the Commission on the Arts, the Foundation for the Humanities, the Public Service Centers at the universities, and the significant reductions in higher education. Also visible will be the holes that have been made in the safety net for the most vulnerable.
Sadly, for me as someone involved in government reform and transparency throughout my career, the process for putting together this budget took us back decades when budgets like this one were put together by a couple of members and reflected their political ideology. It lacked a balanced perspective and a more realistic set of priorities that could have been achieved with a more inclusive process. Fortunately this is not the final budget. The Senate has a much better version. The two will be reconciled in a conference committee. It is bound to be much prettier than it is now. |
|
|
|
|
|
"Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 28
Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday nights at 10:30 p.m. - "Report from Richmond" with Delegate Ken Plum at the General Assembly Building
Online Viewing
|
Parent representatives of Girls on the Run, a program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running, presented Delegate Plum with a t-shirt and medal during their visit to Richmond last week. Pictured are Catherine Keightley, Kendra Morrison, and Karyn Moran, all of Northern Virginia. |
Climate Change Citizen Action
You can reduce your "carbon footprint" by reducing heat loss and energy usage in your home. Typical sources of heat loss are through the roof and windows, through gaps around doors, and through the floor. Install loft insulation, use cavity wall insulation, fit carpets with underlay, close drafts around doors, and invest in energy-saving windows. Reduce energy usage in your home by limiting the use of electrical appliances, turning things off when not in use, replacing standard light bulbs with low-energy equivalents, and buying appliances that use less power and have good energy ratings. |
|
Announcements
Health Rankings
Compare the overall health of our county with the health of other counties in our state, as well as compare the factors that contribute to health, such as obesity rates, the quality of health care, or high school graduation rates. Visit www.countyhealthrankings.org to see how the counties in our state rank on health. County Health Rankings is a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.
Volunteer Fairfax Photo Contest
Enter the Volunteer Fairfax Photo Contest with a photo you have taken that celebrates the American tradition of volunteering. The photo contest is open to local nonprofits as well as individuals from the community who want to celebrate volunteering. Each contestant may submit one photo to be considered for the contest. Anyone who submits a photo will be invited to the Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards on April 23. All photo submissions will be posted on the Volunteer Fairfax website for the public to view and vote on. After voting has concluded, five finalists will be chosen and will receive complimentary tickets to the awards ceremony where their photos will be displayed and the winner will be announced. Submit your photo and any questions to Daneen Matheson at events@volunteerfairfax.org. Along with your photo, please include your full name, address, and phone number. Submissions must be in by Friday, March 12. |
Calendar of Events
This Friday, March 5, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., GRACE (Greater Reston Arts Center) will celebrate Youth Art Month with an opening reception for Emerging Visions: FUSION. The exhibition will run from March 5 through April 15 at GRACE in Reston Town Center. This year GRACE will showcase artists from Herndon High School, Pimmit Hills High School, and South Lakes High School. For many young artists this is their first opportunity to exhibit artwork in a professional gallery setting. The experience can have a lasting effect on their artistic and professional development. For more information visit www.restonarts.org/exhibitions.
Join the Reston Chorale on March 6, two performances - 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. - at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods for "This Joint is Jumpin," a tribute to jazz through the decades. The Chorale will take you on a musical journey through jazz, from the beginning in New Orleans to jazz on the riverboats, to the birth of blues and finally to present-day jazz favorites. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and youth. Buy online at www.restonchorale.org or at the RCC box office.
Potomac River Running is hosting a "Run for Haiti 5K and Fun Run" this Sunday, March 7, 9:00 a.m. All race proceeds will be donated to the Haiti relief efforts to support the thousands needing medical treatment and basic supplies. To help maximize donation efforts to the victims, race T-shirts will not be included in the race registration. Rather, a donation bin will be avialable on race day to collect old race T-shirts form partaicipants. These shirts will be personally delivered to those in need to Moise Joseph, Haitian Olympian in the 800 meters and a PRR employee. All donations will be given to the American Red Cross. To register, go to www.potomacriverrunning.com or visit a Potomac River Running store in Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Reston, Tyson's, Cleveland Park, or Rockville. Late registration and packet pick up will take place on Saturday, March 6, from noon to 7:00 p.m. at the Reston Potomac River Running store located at 11911 Democracy Drive. Race day registraiton will take place at South Lakes High School on March 7, 7:00 to 8:15 a.m.
A Trees Virginia Workshop, "Change Trees Can ReLeaf In - Mitigating Urban Challenges and Reaping the Benefits," will be held on Wednesday, March 10, at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke. For more information call Becky Woodson, Trees Virginia, at 434.220.9024 or email becky.woodson@dof.virginia.gov.
Are you new to Reston? Come to Newcomers Night 2010 on Thursday, March 11, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the RA Main Conference Room, 1930 Isaac Newton Square, and get to know your Reston Association ((RA). Come learn more about RA and its many services, amenities, and programs. Meet RA Board Members and staff and find out how you can get involved in Reston. RSVP to Ha Brock, Community Outreach Specialist, at habrock@reston.org or 703.435.7986.
A free concert by Mosaic Harmony will be held on Saturday, March 13, 7:30 p.m., at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 1700 Wainwright Drive, Reston. The concert is sponsored by Shoreshim and St. Anne's. A free-will offering will be taken with donations going to Partners in Health, a group that helps the people of Haiti in this hour of need. Donations can also be made online at http://tinyurl.com/harmony4haiti. Call 703.437.6530 for more information.
The Traveling Players ensemble presents "Hamlet" on Sunday, March 14, at The Old Firehouse Teen Center in McLean at 3:30 p.m. (doors open at 3:00). Admission is $10, or free with a valid Fairfax County Public School ID. A talented cast of 14 teens will present Shakespeare's masterpiece of family, conscience, and revenge. An after-show Open Mic will feature songs, monologues, jokes, poetry, dance routines -- if you have something, share it. Learn more about Traveling Players and this event at www.travelingplayers.org.
The Women Voices Forum will celebrate Women's History Month with the program, "Come Let Your Voice Be Heard," on Saturday, March 20, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for Fairfax County residents to engage the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Commission for Women, key experts, and community opinion leaders in intergenerational conversations. For more information and to register, contact Fairfax County Commission for Women, 703.324.5730.
The fourth annual Reading: A Family Affair, presented by the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia and Verizon, will be held on Saturday, March 20, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center. This free, family-friendly event offers live performances from some of the area's most sought-after children's entertainers: Grammy award winning musicians Cathy Fink and Marcy marxer, magician The Great Zucchini, Good Life Theater puppets, plus storytellers and local children's book authors. Special guest WETA TV 26's Clifford the Big Red Dog will also be there.
The Fairfax Choral Society will present "Light Everlasting - Music of Faith, Hope, & Love," at 8:00 p.m. on March 20, 2010, in the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 North Beauregard Street. For tickets or more information, contact 703.642.3277 or office@fairfaxchoralsociety.org.
The Fairafx County sheriff's Office is sponsoring a 2-day AARP Driver Safety Program on March 22-23, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, 14601 Lee Road, Chantilly. The course provides information on safe driving strategies and a review of the "rules of the road." Participants will be eligible to receive a discount through their auto insurance. Preregistration is required and class size is limited. the cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers, with checks payable to "AARP." To register or request further information, contact charise.thompson@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703.246.3246.
The Fairfax County Police Department is offering a Mature Operator's Driver Improvement Program (MODIP) on Tuesday, March 23, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, at the Fairfax County Government Center, Room 4-5, 12000 Government Center Parkway. This 8-hour class covers safe driving for mature drivers. After completing the course, drivers may be eligible for insurance premium reductions. The class is free, but preregistration is required. To register call the Fair Oaks District Police Station at 703.591.0966 (press 0 when you get the menu).
"Generation Next: Reston Leadership Development" will be hosted and sponsored by the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods on Thursday, March 25, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. All are welcome to come to the RCC Community Room to share in an active dialog session on getting involved in leading our community. Those wishing to continue Reston's values in the work of civic and community organizations are urged to attend. Current and future leaders representing Arts, Culture, Education, Government, Human Services, Sports, and more will discuss concepts, leadership development, and getting involved. Refreshments will be provided by some of Reston's favorite eateries. RSVP to RCCContact@fairfaxcounty.gov. This event is free!
The Reston Community Orchestra will present "Spring Inflorescence - Ebony Vibrations" at a concert on Sunday, March 28, at 4:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods. Music by Chopin, Rubenstein, Debussy, and Crusell will be featured.
Learn about home modifications and inexpensive devices that can help your loved one maintain independence at a program, "Making Life Easier: Gadgets, Gizmos and Home Modifications," on Wednesday, April 7, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Call 703.242.4020 for directions or information.
The 21st Annual Environment Virginia symposium will take place April 7 and 8 in Lexington, Virginia. The theme of this year's symposium is "Optimizing Stewardship in a Challenging Environment." Join over 500 environmental decision-makers from all sectors and from across the Commonwealth to learn the latest about environmental challenges and solutions and to build partnerships to implement solutions to these challenges. For detailed information and registration, visit www.vmi.edu/environmentva.
"Empty Bowls," a benefit supper for hunger relief, will be held on Friday, April 9, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston. Sponsor is the Giving Circle of HOPE, and all proceeds will go directly to Food for Others, the largest distributor of free food to the needy in Northern Virginia. For a minimum donation of $20, guests will choose a handmade pottery bowl and receive a simple supper of soup, bread, beverage and dessert. The bowl is yours to keep to remind that there are "empty bowls" in our community. Tickets are available by contacting givingcircle@hotmail.com.
Mark your calendars for Reston's Founder's Day on Saturday, April 10, in honor of the 96th birthday of Reston founder Robert E. Simon, Jr., presented by Reston Historic Trust, Reston Museum. This celebration will be held on the Plaza at Lake Anne. Call 703.709.7700 for more details.
The Alice Ferguson Foundaiton will again host this year's Potomac River Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, April 10, 9:00 a.m. until noon. Cleanup sites will be listed on their website, www.PotomacCleanup.org, starting in March so you can pick your perfect location. Contact Ginny Harris Crake at gharris@fergusonfoundation.org for more information.
Save the date - Saturday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. - for the Reston Community Orchestra's annual benefit gala, "Puttin' on the Ritz." Visit www.restoncommunityorchestra.org for more information.
The Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation will hold its "Dress Up with Grown-Ups Gala" on Saturday, April 17, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Fairview Park Marriott, Falls Church. Ticket prices are: Family Ticket for $300 per family (includes up to 2 adults and 2 children); $100 per extra adult; and $75 per extra child. The cost of one family ticket, $300, is the cost for medical care for an entire year for one child in the MCCP program. Bring your kids or your grandkids, or just come by yourselves. This unique gala will reflect the fact that MCCP Foundation raises funds for the medical care of uninsured children right here in our community. This event includes a silent auction, sit-down dinner, dancing to a DJ, family photo-op, and fun activities for the kids. For more information, contact Margery Leveen Sher at mlsher@mccpfoundation.org.
In celebration of the inaugural year of Nature House at the Walker Nature Education Center, the Nature House 5K Race will take place on Saturday, April 24, 8:00 a.m. Help celebrate and make sure that this wonderful new facility continues to have the support it needs for a bright future. Registration is at www.active.com/running/reston-va/7th-annual-nature-house-5k-fund-run-2010. You can also register on race day. Fee is $25 prior to March 31, $30 after March 31.
GRACE's 19th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival will be held May 15 and 16 at the Reston Town Center. Watch this section for more information about this year's Festival.
|
| Go Green |
 Go Green - consider the environment! Please print this newsletter only if necessary. | |
|
|
|
| Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia e-News.
Authorized by Kenneth R. Plum. Paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum. |
|
|
|
|
